Our democratic beliefs
Australia is a parliamentary democracy, where the government's power comes from the people. This topic covers the Rule of Law, peaceful change through the democratic process, and respect for every individual.
What to remember
- Parliamentary democracy: government's power comes from the people, who vote for representatives.
- Rule of Law: no person, group or religious rule is above the law.
- Change happens through discussion, peaceful persuasion and the democratic process, never violence.
- Respect for all individuals regardless of background.
Sample questions
What is Australia's system of government?Show answer
- A one-party state
- An absolute monarchy
- A parliamentary democracy
A parliamentary democracy. Australia's system of government is a parliamentary democracy. Citizens vote for people to represent them in parliament.
In Australia's parliamentary democracy, where does the power of the government come from?Show answer
- The Australian people, who vote for representatives in parliament
- The High Court
- The King, who rules directly
The Australian people, who vote for representatives in parliament. The power of the government comes from the Australian people, because citizens vote for people to represent them in parliament.
How must representatives in parliament answer to the people for their decisions?Show answer
- Through the courts only
- Through elections
- They do not have to answer to the people
Through elections. Representatives in parliament must answer to the people, through elections, for the decisions they make.
Source: Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, p. 18. Read the full booklet on the Home Affairs website.